Maharashtra Plans Stress On Horticulture

Horticulture development will be the new thrust sector in Maharashtra, particularly Konkan region which would play a significant role with special emphasis on fruit processing and export oriented activities.

According to strategies being formulated by the state government, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts in konkan region would be given full backing to boost overall horticulture development, official sources said.

One of the measures to accelerate this plan would be to establish full-fledged boards for mango and cashew processing and exporting, the sources said, adding that the rubber board in Kerala has shown that specialised bodies run by experts can transform the economy of an area.

 

Legislators from the region have decided to press the government to make a policy announcement covering the two districts. The demand assumes significance in view of the meeting of the state cabinet in Ratnagiri on June 10.

The cabinet would consider suitable measures to develop horticulture, fishing and tourism in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts along the Konkan coastline under an overall development package for the region at the meeting.

The two districts are endowed with abundant natural wealth. Horticulture and fishing are the mainstay of the local economy, which would prosper with over Rs 65,000 crore slated to be invested in the region under the government's policy of liberalisation and privatisation.

Already, the region is in news because of the Enron power project in Guhagar taluka of Ratnagiri district.

The state government was confident that more companies would set up their units in the region, sources added.